How To Prevent Fourth Of July Fireworks Injuries: National Fireworks Safety Month

It’s the Fourth of July which means BBQ’s, swimming, sparklers and Fourth of July fireworks injuries in a big way. Many of us find ourselves headed to the store to buy some fireworks we wouldn’t normally buy. I always like to make my family ooohhh and ahhhh a little bit on the holiday too! Did you know that on average 230 people a day go to the hospital because of fireworks in the month surrounding the fourth of July? Safety is important, and there is no better time to think about it then during National Fireworks Safety Month. Before you celebrate, check out our safety tips below to prevent Fourth of July injuries.

How To Prevent Fourth Of July Fireworks Injuries: National Fireworks Safety Month

Handle Your Fireworks Carefully

Many people think they know how to use fireworks, but in the moment they get excited about the fun and make mistakes. Find a clear area away from buildings, plants and people. Never ever put fireworks in your pocket! If you need a base for the fireworks, shoot them off from a jar or container that is metal or glass, not plastic. Make sure viewers are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being lit, especially children. Only certain classifications are allowed in Arizona during the holiday, so make sure you only use legal fireworks and avoid big fines.

Always Keep A Bucket Of Water Nearby

This idea sounds so simple, right? If you are planning on lighting anything for the 4th of July, please get a bucket of water and keep it nearby to avoid Fourth of July injuries! It doesn’t matter if you are lighting bottle rockets or snakes, a bucket of water will give you a way to stop a small firework. If you have a fire extinguisher, keep that on hand also.

Also skip relighting “dud” fireworks. It’s frustrating when your fireworks don’t light, but please soak the duds in water! If that dud was actually slow to light, you might find yourself suddenly burned or blinded by a dud.

Supervise Children With Sparklers

When I was at the store the other day, I picked up a pack of sparklers. My other half gave me the side eye. Aren’t the kids too young for those? Sparklers are lots of fun, but are on fire and can be dangerous. 20% of injuries reported from fireworks in 2014 were from sparklers, and 50% of fireworks injuries to children are from sparklers. Make sure you supervise children and have them keep sparklers in an open space away from each other also. Encourage children to handle sparklers safely, and don’t forget that bucket of water!

Another way to celebrate National Fireworks Safety Month is head to a public display of fireworks. Let the pros run the show, and you can enjoy the fireworks safely.

What does your family do to prevent Fourth Of July fireworks injuries? Has anyone you know been injured by fireworks? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Be sure tocontact Home Hazard Preventionfor any of your personal or family safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!), HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. As a group of professional firefighters, there is no one more qualified than us to help keep your family safe! (480) 719-1551orBeSafe@HomeHazardPrevention.com